The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

The lingering notes of Wang Zhonghua and Li Jingniang's "Man Jiang Hong" seemed to transform into tangible iron and fire, still clashing and swirling among the carved beams and painted rafters of the "Singing Family Residence." The guests were all captivated by the tragic and intense lyrics and music; some, their blood still boiling, had tears in their eyes; others, restless and pale, sat on pins and needles. An eerie silence fell over the vast hall, broken only by the crackling of the candlelight and the heavy, varied breathing of the guests.

In the deathly silence brewed by shock and hidden agendas, Ouyang Xiu slowly rose from his seat. He said nothing, only casting a faint, deep, well-like glance over the assembled officials, gentry, and dignitaries, who had been engrossed in their poems and songs. They were instantly jolted into stillness, heads bowed, standing solemnly. The air froze, as if the imperial court had been entered prematurely.

Ouyang Xiu solemnly accepted a roll of bright yellow silk from his side. Under the lamplight, the silk shone with a warm yet dignified luster, and the auspicious clouds and cranes embroidered on it were lifelike.

"Imperial decree has arrived!" Old Ouyang Xiu's voice wasn't shrill, yet it seemed to contain the power of a thunderbolt, clearly reaching everyone's ears. "Everyone kneel to receive it!"

With a whoosh, everyone in the hall, regardless of their inner thoughts, knelt down in unison, like wheat fields bent by the wind. Wang Zhonghua knelt down with the others, his peripheral vision catching a glimpse of Di Qing's clenched fist beside him, feeling the seemingly submissive but actually stiff back of Chen Shimei behind him, and noticing that the young prince Zhao Zongyuan knelt casually, his eyes still darting around.

Ouyang Xiu unfurled the imperial edict, his voice steady yet penetrating, each word like a rock, like a drumbeat, striking the hearts of everyone present.

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

"I have heard that Chenzhou, with its strategic location guarding the Yellow River to the north and protecting the Yangtze and Huai Rivers to the south, is the wing of the capital and the heart of the nation. It is of paramount importance to the state and the foundation of the nation." This opening statement immediately elevates the strategic importance of Chenzhou to its peak.

Immediately, his tone shifted sharply, becoming sharp and profound: "However, recent reports have been frequent, revealing that a cult of fire worship has emerged right beside my bed, gathering followers to wreak havoc, bewitching the ignorant masses, robbing merchants, and poisoning the lives of the people! This is not a minor ailment, but a scourge to the heart! Local officials have failed in their efforts to apprehend them, allowing the bandits to grow ever stronger, which deeply worries me!"

Kneeling on the ground, Chen Shimei's forehead almost touched the earth, and his back beneath his scarlet robe tensed almost imperceptibly for a moment. These words were like an invisible whip, lashing at his political achievements.

"Suppressing bandits and pacifying the people is of utmost urgency. This matter is of paramount importance, and only senior officials and seasoned generals can shoulder this heavy responsibility." Ouyang Xiu's voice continued to resonate, entering the core of the imperial decree:

"I hereby order that General Gui Delang and Military Commissioner of Chenzhou, Di Qing, be promoted to Defense Commissioner of Chenzhou, overseeing all military and political affairs of the prefecture, and having full authority to suppress the Zoroastrian bandits. All officials and garrison soldiers of the prefecture must cooperate with him without fail!"

Di Qing suddenly looked up, his tiger-like eyes flashing with a sharp light. He then kowtowed deeply, his voice booming like a bell: "Your subject, Di Qing! I accept the imperial decree and express my gratitude! I will do my utmost to quell the evil forces and repay Your Majesty's grace!" Although this appointment was a demotion (he was originally a Privy Councilor, equivalent to the Minister of Defense), the "overseeing of military and political affairs" granted him real power, creating a special situation where "demotion without reduction of power" meant a shift from "Minister of Defense" to "Commander of a Theater Command."

Di Qing's tiger-like eyes were filled with tears. From Privy Councilor to Defense Commissioner, his rank had plummeted, but the words "overseeing both military and political affairs" allowed this military man, who had been suffocated by civil officials, to feel the long-lost warmth of the imperial court.

Wang Zhonghua was deeply gratified. Under Wang Zhonghua's influence, the wheel of fate quietly changed for Di Qing.

Will the Song Dynasty be able to change its historical fate of "the Jingkang Incident" and "the Yai Shan Incident" because of Wang Zhonghua's arrival?

Ouyang Xiu's gaze shifted slightly, landing on the young man who was still kneeling, but whose figure had become the focus of the entire audience.

"Furthermore, it has been discovered that Wang Zhonghua, a righteous man from Chenzhou, is inherently loyal and brave, and possesses outstanding talent and strategy. His previous efforts in suppressing river bandits and protecting the people have already demonstrated his abilities; now, hearing of his strategic acumen, he is particularly skilled in training and managing troops. Therefore, Wang Zhonghua is hereby promoted to Military Commander of Chenzhou, holding the title of Militia Commander, and appointed as the vanguard of the left flank in the bandit suppression campaign. He shall immediately take up residence in the military camp to assist Defense Commissioner Di Qing in reorganizing military equipment, training the new army, and preparing for the bandit suppression. It is hoped that you will not fail the Emperor's favor and will achieve new merits!"

"Your subject, Wang Zhonghua, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!" Wang Zhonghua's voice was calm and firm, revealing little elation, only a heavy sense of responsibility. He knew all too well that this title of "deputy division-level cadre" was both a stepping stone to a larger stage and a whirlpool that would push him to the forefront of controversy. The term "assisting in the training of the new army"—this "assisting in training" was incredibly significant, signifying his fundamental right to intervene in the military. This was a sharp wedge the emperor had driven into the old system of Chenzhou, driven by his dissatisfaction with the Prince of Xiangyang's growing power.

Ouyang Xiu closed the imperial edict, his tone softening slightly, yet still carrying an undeniable air of authority: "His Majesty earnestly hopes that all of you, civil and military officials, will work together in harmony, and that our soldiers will fight with their lives to quickly eradicate the evil forces and forever secure the borders of our Great Song Dynasty. So be it!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

After the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" subsided, everyone rose to their feet, each with their own thoughts. The atmosphere became extremely subtle. Congratulations and well wishes rose and fell, yet all carried a hint of cautious probing. Several military generals immediately surrounded Di Qing, while the young general Wang Zhonghua instantly became the new focus of attention.

However, Ouyang Xiu gave everyone, especially Chen Shimei and his ilk, no time to react, obstruct, or infiltrate. He walked directly to Wang Zhonghua and Di Qing, his voice low but resolute: "Defense Commander Di, General Wang, the military situation is urgent; the banditry is rampant. Come with me immediately to the Zhanghuatai camp in the west of the city to familiarize yourselves with the defenses and advise on military matters!"

This was the smartest and most decisive approach. Before Chen Shimei's forces could place people in the new army, spread rumors, or create obstacles, Wang Zhonghua was directly brought into the role and given real power.

Wang Zhonghua and Di Qing exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes. "We will obey Lord Ouyang's command!"

Wang Zhonghua moved with a brisk pace, his robes billowing like eagle wings sweeping through the night wind. His voice preceded his arrival, his tone as taut as a bowstring: "Tiehua! For now, I'll entrust all affairs at home and the restaurant to you, Steward Shen, and Master Lü. Shen Kuo is currently prospecting for minerals in the Wuyang area; don't trouble him with anything. As soon as Ziteng returns, immediately muster the twenty elite 'Dark Arrows' and bring them to camp with me! Xinyi—"

His gaze sharpened as he turned to Liu Xinyi. He himself didn't know when the title "Miss Liu" had unconsciously changed to "Xinyi." Liu Xinyi, however, felt it was perfectly natural. "You are the most meticulous; you take care of everything at home, from our parents to all the trivial matters. The research and development of that 'blood pressure lowering drug' and 'eye-clearing pill' must continue day and night without delay!"

After speaking, Louis Koo's signature jawline tightened, revealing a resolute determination to burn his bridges—he knew that from tonight onwards, he needed his own loyal followers and a solid foundation, and his family of hundreds needed to prepare for the future.

Qin Tiehua twisted the handkerchief tightly with her slender fingers, her pearly teeth gently biting her red lips. In her pair of autumn-water eyes, worry was like mist, and pride was like a star, the two merging into a complex and soft light. A thousand words welled up in her throat, but in the end, they only turned into a slightly trembling admonition: "...Be careful in everything." The voice was so soft as if afraid of disturbing his determination, yet it weighed more than a thousand pounds.

Liu Xinyi remained silent, only nodding heavily, her neck as straight as cold jade. The moment she raised her eyes, her gaze was clear and bright like starlight, a fleeting hint of murderous intent quickly replaced by a calm and collected demeanor, as if everything was under her control.

Wang Zhonghua bowed deeply to Li Jingniang and the others. A moment later, amidst countless complex gazes filled with surprise, envy, and speculation, Ouyang Xiu, Di Qing, and Wang Zhonghua led the way, followed closely by several skilled "hidden arrow" warriors. Their figures moved like arrows released from a bow, shattering the moonlight, and headed straight for the military camp in the west of the city. The rapid sound of hooves stirred a sense of unease among the guests, leaving behind a hall full of people with varied expressions and undercurrents of unease.

Li Jingniang leaned against the door, watching the figure disappear around the street corner, and sighed softly. Suddenly, a strange light appeared in her eyes, a mixture of envy and respect. A slight smile played on her lips as she murmured, "In this game of chess, I thought he was just a pawn, but now it seems he's going to be a player alongside me? Wang Zhonghua, what other skills do you have left? How many people's chessboards will you overturn…?" With that, she turned and, supported by her maid Lian'er, gracefully ascended the sedan chair.

Lian'er glanced at Di Qing's side several times, her eyes filled with sadness.

As the sedan curtain fell, Li Jingniang glanced out of the corner of her eye at the dimly lit area, where the light seemed even more profound and unfathomable.